Shop Manager - Houghton Area

Shop Manager | Houghton, MI

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for excelling as a shop manager? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We collaborate with leading companies in the Houghton area seeking experienced Shop Managers to drive results.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan's manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Shop Manager opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Houghton in Houghton County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including Baraga, Dollar Bay, Calumet, and Atlantic Mine.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing firms in the Houghton area that seek skilled Shop Managers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and look for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Usual Responsibilities

• Open the shop each morning and confirm staffing for the day.
• Assign work orders to machinists and fabricators based on schedule and skill.
• Walk the floor through the day to check progress and quality.
• Resolve production problems such as machine downtime or material shortages.
• Track output against the schedule and adjust priorities when jobs fall behind.
• Enforce safety rules and address unsafe conditions on the floor.
• Review completed work before it moves to the next operation or ships.
• Report daily production results and staffing issues to plant leadership.

Recommended Qualifications

• Strong scheduling and problem-solving skills.
• Clear communication with production staff and management.
• Several years of hands-on experience in a machine shop or fabrication environment.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience on a production floor.
• Ability to read blueprints and shop drawings.
• Working knowledge of shop equipment and common machining or fabrication processes.

Bonus Qualifications

• Forklift or crane certification.
• Formal training in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement.
• Experience with shop scheduling or ERP software.
• Trade school certificate or apprenticeship completion.
• Familiarity with quality systems such as ISO 9001.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Manufacturing Supervisor, Plant Supervisor, Shop Foreman, Production Manager, Operations Supervisor, Lead Machinist, Shop Supervisor, Production Supervisor, Machine Shop Supervisor, Fabrication Supervisor

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic - they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search - market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.